Apparatus for sorting flexible sheet material



Oct. 4, 1938. J. F. DUNSER APPARATUS FOR SORTING FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL Filed July 10, 1937 3 Sheefcs-Shet 1 ii lli--- 2;? 2' INVENTOR. Jon/v K fiu/vsn? Oct. 4, 1938. J. F. DUNSER 2,132,231

APPARATUS FOR SORTING' FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL Filed July 10, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. (f [DO/V351? A TTO EY.

Oct. 4, 1938. DUNSER 2,132,231

APPARATUS FOR SORTING FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL' Filed July 10, 1937 :5 Sheets-Sheet 3 v INVENTOR. *i JOHN F Dwvsaf A TTORNE Y.

Patented Oct. 4, 1938 UNITED STATES 2,132,231 APPARATUS FOR son'rmc FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL John F. Dunser, Riclunond Heights, Mo. Application July 10, 1937, Serial No. 153,071

10 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in the apparatus for sorting flexible sheet material, such as paper or other stock, and has particular reference to a novel machine for sorting checks, sales slips, coupons and the like.

The principal objective of the invention is the provision of an improved sorting machine designed to obviate the tedious and time consuming hand methods of sorting cancelled checks and the like, which in nearly all cases, require a manual handling of each check during the sorting process. A further objective is the provision of a sorting machine which in the number and arrangement of parts and in the operation thereof, effects distinct improvements over existing machines and devices for the same or similar purposes.

In accordance with the foregoing, an object of the invention resides in the provision of an improved machine by which a quantity or stack of checks or other units of flexible sheet matter, each bearing a numerical, alphabetical or other symbol of designation and arranged with respect to such designations in a disorderly or other nonsequential manner, may be sorted and arranged in a sequential or other desired order, according to the designating symbols appearing on the units.

Another object resides in the provision of a sorting machine for the purpose described, which includes in operative combination, a unit separating and feeding mechanism, a movable device bearing a plurality of unit-receiving pockets and operating mechanism associated with the pocket bearing device, adapted for selectively positioning any one of the pockets relative to the feeding mechanism, so that the feeder may deliver to such pocket one or more of the units to be sorted.

A further object is attained in the provision in combination with a unit separating and feeding mechanism, of a movable device or tray having a plurality of unit-receiving pockets or compartments arranged in parallel adjacence, and operating mechanism for the tray, adapted for positioning any selected one of the pockets relative to the feeding mechanism, so as to receive one or more units delivered thereto by the feeder, the tray operating mechanism including a rotatable dial or key-board by which any one of the pockets may be selected for disposition in receiving relation to the feeder.

Yet another object of the invention is attained in an improved feeding mechanism for checks or like flexible sheet units, the mechanism being so designed as to feed all of the checks in a uniform manner, irrespective of the direction, extent or nature of pre-folding or other deformation tending to cause the flexible unit to lie in part, outside of its original true structure plane.

A further object is attained in the provision of a powered drive for the unit separating and feeding mechanism, the operation of which is controlled by the operating mechanism for the pocket bearing device, the control arrangement being such that the powered drive is operated substantially coincidentally with the positioning of any one of the pockets in receiving relation to the feeding mechanism.

A still further object resides in the provision of an improved machine for the purpose described, which is comprised of but few parts arranged and assembled in a compact manner, and which is positive and efficient in operation.

Further objects and advantages will appear from the following description, and from the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an assembly plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the machine, as taken along line 22 in Fig. 1, this view showing the operating mechanism for the movable device or tray supporting the unit or check-receiving pockets; Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of the machine as taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 1, this view showing the separating and feeding mechanism; Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation as viewed from line 4-4 in Fig. 1, the section being taken through the tray and unit-receiving pockets; Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail elevation of a part of the tray mechanism, as viewed from line 5-5 in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation of the machine, as taken from line 6-4 in Fig. 1, showing further details of the mechanism; Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line 1-i in Fig. 6, showing details of a preferred form of control mechanism in association with an'electric circuit and an operating motor for the machine; Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation of the machine, as viewed from line 8-8 in Fig. 3, showing details of the separating and feeding mechanism; Figs. 9 and 10 are enlarged fragmentary sections of the machine as taken respectively, along lines 9-9 and llll0 in Fig. 3, these views showing portions of the feeding and separating mechanism; Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the machine as viewed from line I l-ll in Fig. 1, this view showing certain elements of the feeding mechanism; Figs. 12, 13, 14 and 15 are diagrammatic views of the separating and feeding mechanism in positions, theseviews operation of the unit separating and feeding mechanism, and Fig. 16 is an enlarged elevation of a detail of the mechanism, as viewed from line I6--I8 in Fig. 8.

Referring now to the drawings by suitable characters of reference, III designates generally, a rectangular, box-like frame structure of relatively shallow vertical dimension. The frame which may be formed of any suitable material, preferably a metal casting, is provided with a removable bottom plate II forming a closure for the frame, this plate serving also to support certain elements of the mechanism, as will later appear. The top I2 of the frame provides the principal supporting base for the machine.

A magazine or container for the units to be sorted, is provided on the base I2 near the rear, right-hand section of the frame iii, the container being formed by a pair of parallel, side wall elements I3 and Il secured to the base I2 in any suitable manner, and spaced as shown, to accommodate the dimensions of the units to be sorted. In the present example, the units are cancelled checks, and for convenience and brevity in the following description, but without limitation, these will be referred to as checks". The wall I3 has at its forward end, an inwardly extending wall section I5 which is preferably formed integrally with wall I3, and disposed at substantially a right angle thereto. Arranged in a similar manner, but in association with wall I4, is a substantially V-shaped wall section I6 comprised of a wall element IBa in engagement with wall I4, and a wall element IBb forwardly thereof. The apex portion of the wall section is directed toward the free edge of wall section I5. The inward extent of wall section I5 is preferably approximately one-fourth the distance between walls I3 and I4, while that of the wall section I6 is somewhat less, the space intervening these sections being left open so that the check separating and feeding mechanism hereinafter to be described, may operate upon the checks, denoted generally at H, which are stacked on edge in convenient quantity in the magazine. As shown in Fig. l, the wall element I6a is disposed slightly rearwardly of the plane of wall I5, this arrangement serving to produce a curve in the check stack H, the curve extending inwardly of the magazine and toward the wall I4. Thus, the forwardmost check exposed between wall sections I5 and I6, is definitely curved, whereby to aid the function of the check separating device, as will readily appear hereinafter. The stack of checks is constantly urged forwardly toward the wall sections I5 and I6, by a pusher plate I8 arranged for sliding movement between the side walls I3 and I4. Plate I8 is carried by tubular elements I9 which are sleeved upon fixed rods 20 secured to standards 2I supported upon the rear edge portion 22 of the base I2. Within the tubular elements I9 are suitable compression springs 23 which abut the free ends of rods 20, and which serve to urge the elements I9 and pusher plate I8 toward the checks I'I, whereby the stack of checks to be sorted, is constantly urged forwardly in the magazine.

It will be observed that the side wall I3 and the wall section I5 cooperate to form a well defined pocket for the right hand end portions of the checks (Fig. 1), and further, that the wall section I5 provides the 'major lateral support for the check stack which is constantly urged therefour diflerent operative illustrating the cycle of against by the pusher plate II. The element Ila. of opposite wall section I, against which rests the left end portion of the check stack, provides additional lateral support therefor, and further by reason of the V-shape form of this wall, the element lib thereof serves as a directing guide for the left end of each check separated from the stack in the sorting process. The guide function of this element will appear more fully hereinafter. With respect to the pocket formed by the walls I3 and I5, this serves to confine the right hand end of each check against movement toward wall I3 during certain stages of operation upon the check to remove it from the stack, as will hereinafter appear.

Turning now to the check separating and feeding mechanism which functions to mechanically separate checks from the stack and then deliver them to check-receiving pockets or compartments, a combined electric motor and reduction gear unit denoted generally at 24 (Fig. 3) is disposed, by preference, within the frame structure III and is secured upon the bottom plate II. The motor unit serves to drive a vertically arranged, operating shaft 25 for the mechanism, with the driving connection thereto effected in any suitable manner, as by the bevelled pinion 2G operated by the reduction gear, enmeshing a bevelled gear 21 keyed to shaft 25. The shaft ends are suitably journalled in bearing elements 28 on the base I2 and bottom plate II, and as shown in Fig. 3, the upper end of the shaft extends through the base I2 for connection to a crank arm 29, the connection of the crank arm to the shaft end being effected preferably in an adjustable mannor, as by a set-screw (not shown). To the free end of the crank is pivotally connected one end of an arm 30 forming part of a substantially L- shaped member or bar 3 I, the bar having a second arm 32 extending at substantially a right angle to the arm 30, toward the forward side of the check stack I'I. Arm 30 of the bar is slidably supported by a vertical standard 33, (Figs. 3 and 9), the standard being secured to the base I2, or formed of pivotally related portions in a manner permitting axial pivotal movement of its guide portion engaging arm 30, whereby to allow both pivotal and displacement movements of the bar 3| in the plane of the arms 30 and 32. It will be observed that the end of the arm 39 which is connected to the crank 29, is confined to a circular movement only, and that as a result this, and the pivotal and sliding support of the bar by the standard 33, the free end 3| of arm 32 will have a compound movement. The resulting movement thereof will be not only toward and from the checks, but a wiping movement horizontally across the exposed surface of the foremost check, in a direction from left to right (Fig. 1) when the crank 29 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, (Fig. 1) as indicated by the arrow. This movement of the arm end 34 is utilized for effecting a separation of the checks from the stack, one at a time, in the manner now to be described.

As shown particularly in Fig. 9, the end 34 of arm 32 operatively supports a vertically arranged member 35 which carries a friction element 36 formed of sponge rubber or other soft frictiongripping material. Operation of shaft 25 to rotate crank 29 in a counterclockwise direction, will actuate the bar 3|, say from the position thereof in Fig. 1, through the two positions indicated in the illustrations of Figs. 12 and 13. Thus, the friction element 36 is moved successively toward the left end of the checks (Fig. 1) but out of contact with the front or forwardmost check, and thence horizontally across the curved face of the front check from left to right, the friction element being both pushed laterally against the check stack and swept in an arc across the surface of the front check, whereby to frictionally grip this check to move the left portion thereof from the element IGa of wall section l5, and toward the right hand portion thereof which is retained in the pocket formed by the magazine walls I 3 and I5. The result is a curvilinear deflection of that portion of the front check between the friction element and the free edge of wall section I5, the bending, buckling or crimping effect being illustrated at 31 in Fig. 13. As the bend is produced, the friction element is retracted from frictional engagement with the check, and substantially simultaneously with this retraction of the friction element, the bend is very suddenly straightened or flattened by mechanism later to be described. Since the right hand section of the check is retained by the walls I3 and i5 against any displacing movement to the right (Fig. 1), the straightening of the bend 31 results in displacement of the left end portion of the check toward the wall section I6,

and by reason of the V-shape of this wall, the left end of the check is not returned to its original position in the check stack, but is directed by the wall element lib thereof, to a position toward and between feeder rolls which are now to be described, together with the mechanism for straightening the check bend 31.

As best appears in Figs. 3, 8, 10 and 11, the check feeding mechanism includes a large friction'wheel 38 operatively secured to the drive shaft 25 and located within the frame Ill. This wheel as shown in Fig. 8, is formed with a depression or cut-away portion 39- in a section of the periphery thereof, the purpose served by thedepression appearing hereinafter. Arranged to engage wheel 38 is a smaller friction wheel 48 which is vertically journalled between the arms 4| of a U-shaped member 42 (Fig. 11) this member being supported for horizontal pivotal movement upon a pin 43 secured to the base l2. The wheels 38 and 40 serve as elements of a drive connection for the check feeding mechanism, as will now appear. A vertical shaft 44 extending through an arcuate slot 45 formed in the base I2, is journalled on its lower end, in the free ends of arms 4|, while the upper end of the shaft is journalled in the end of a standard 48 which extends through a second arcuate slot 41 in the base, and is secured in any suitable manner, to the upper arm 4| of the member 42. Thus the shaft 44 is constrained to follow pivotal movements of member 42. Shaft 44 has secured thereto, a friction roller 48 formed of relatively soft rubber or other similar friction material, the roller preferably being of an axial extent coincident with that of the shaft between the base l2 and the end of standard 46, this being clearly illustrated in Fig. 11. Moreover the vertical extent of the roller is by preference, greater than the width of the checks to be sorted, this to assure an adequate frictional gripping of the check by the roller. In this connection, although not shown, it is preferred to provide the roller with corrugations of any suitable form as a means for attaining a positive check-gripping function thereof.

Roller 48 cooperates with a roller 49 in the feeding of checks to check-receiving pockets hereinafter to be described, the roller 49 as shown in Figs. Land 10, being located substantially in .the widest portion of the V-shaped wall section placed from roller 49 through pivotal movement of member 42, in the cycle of operation of the mechanism, as will presently appear. It is to be noted here that the forward element l6b of the V-wall i5, serves as a guide for directing the left end of a check separated from the stack as heretofore described, to and between the rollers 48 and 49. Moreover, the standard 46 supporting the upper end of roller shaft 44 serves in addition, as a means for preventing the left. end portion of a. check from displacement forwardly of the large roller 48, during the function of the mechanism to deliver the check to the rollers. As the roller 48 comprises the driving element of the check feeding mechanism, it is adapted to be rotated from thelarge friction wheel 38 through the smaller friction wheel 48, by a gear 52 arranged coaxially of and operatively secured to wheel 48, and a pinion element 53 operatively secured to the roller shaft 44 and enmeshing the gear 52 (Fig. 11). drive between friction wheels 38 and 40, the pivoted member 42 is biased by a suitable spring 54, in a direction to effect a frictional driving tension between these elements. Moreover spring 54 serves also, to pivot the member 42 in a manner to separate the roller 48 from roller 49, for

' the periphery thereof, with the smaller wheel 40,

the position of the parts in this instance being shown in Fig. 14.

Pivotal movement of member 42 is utilized further, to actuate a device for straightening or fiattening the bend or crimp produced in a check by the pusher bar mechanism 3!. Accordingly, one end 55 of a rod 56 (Fig. 8) is pivotally secured to the lower arm 4| of the member 42, preferably near the free end thereof, the rod being further pivotally supported by member 51 which in turn, is pivotally secured to the base I2. all as substantially shown in Fig. 16. Thus the member 51 serves as a compound pivot, which permits both pivotal and displacement movements of the rod 56 in a horizontal plane thereof. The reason for the compound pivot member 51 is readily apparent, as the rod end 55 connected to the arm 4| of pivoted member 42, travels through an are having as its center the pivot pin 43 of member 42, while the pivotal axis of rod 56 on member 51 is considerably offset from the axis of pin 43. As a consequence, during arcuate movement of the end 55 of rod 56, there will occur both pivotal and displacement movement of the rod with respect to its pivotal connection to the end of member 51.

Accordingly, by pivotally mounting the member To facilitate the entrance of a check In order to insure a positive check separating process, is outwardly crimped or buckled as indicated in Fig. 13 at 31.

The operative association of rod 58 and its element 59 with the pivoted member 42, is such that during that portion of the cycle of operation in which the friction wheels 38 and 48 are in driving engagement, the element 59 will be disposed forwardly of the checks, as shown in Figs. 1, 12 and 13. During this time, a bend or crimp is produced in the foremost check, in the manner heretofore described. Then as the depression 39 in the large wheel 38 comes into register with the smaller wheel 40, spring 54 acts to pivot the member 42 so as to bring the smaller wheel into the depression 39. The resulting movement of member 42 actuates the end 55 of rod 56 to movement of element 59 toward the checks, and into contact with the bend in the front check, whereby it flattens or strai'ghtens the bend. As a result, the left end portion of the check is displaced toward the feed rollers 48 and 49, since the right end of the check in this instance, is confined against movement by the walls 13 and I5. It is desired to note here that the extent of rod 56 and the position of compound pivot 51 relative to the connection of the rod to member 42, are such that when the member 42 is pivotally actuated, as above described, such actuation will effect an impact or snap movement of the grill element 59 toward the check bend and into flattening contact therewith.

The cycle of operation of the check separating and feeding mechanism is illustrated in Figs. 12

through 15. -Referring first to Fig. 12, wherein the rollers 48 and 49 arein operative engagement, the grill element 59 disposed forwardly of the checks and the crank 29 and check separating bar 3| disposed in the positions shown, this view shows the elements in their initial position, at the start of the cycle. Now with the motor and reduction gear drive in operation, a substantially quarter-turn of shaft 25, and hence of crank 29, in a counterclockwise direction, will effect through the crank an arcuate sweeping movement of the friction element 36 of bar 3| across the face of the front check, producing as shown in Fig. 13, a bend in the check, as at 31. At this instant in the cycle, theleading edge of the depression 39 in friction wheel 38 is in contact with the small friction wheel 40, and the element 59 is still forwardly of the check bend 31. Fig. 14 illustrates the position of the elements after the shaft 25 has been rotated about an eighth of a turn beyond the quarter-turn position of Fig. 13. In this part of the cycle, the friction element 36 is partly displaced forwardly or away from the check, while the depression 39 of large wheel 38 is in register with wheel 48. At this instant, spring 54 pivotally actuates member 42 so as to seat wheel 40 in the depression 39, and at the same time, the movement of member 42 effects as heretofore described, an actuation of grill element 59 against the check bend 31 in a manner to straighten or flatten the bend. Also, the movement of member 42 as effected by spring 54, retracts the friction roller 48 from the roller 49, thus leaving a checkreceiving gap therebetween. The flattening of the check bend 31 by element 59, results in projecting the left end of the check toward and between the separated rollers 48 and 49, this being aided by the directing effect of the portion 16b of wall section l6, as heretofore described. It is to be noted here that when the parts are disposed as shown by Fig. 14, the operator must have positioned in a manner later to appear, a desired one of a plueffect I rality of check-receiving compartments hereinafter to be described, in check-receiving relation to the feed rolls, as the immediately succeeding operation of the parts to effect the disposition thereof illustrated by Fig. 15, serves to effect through the feed rolls, displacement of the check toward the check-receiving station on the left of the rolls.

Fig. 15 illustrates the position of the elements after a full half-turn of the shaft 25. The trailing edge of the depression 39 in wheel 38 is now in contact with the wheel 40, and as a result, the member 42 is pivotally actuated to bring the roller 48 into driving engagement with the left end of the check disposed between it and the roller 49. At the same time, the movement of member 42 effects a' displacement of the grill element 59 away from the checks, while the movement of crank 29 further retracts the friction element 35 of bar 3| from the stack of checks. A further half-tum of shaft 25 to complete one revolution thereof, returns the elements to the positions indicated in Fig. 12. However, during this last half-turn, the friction wheel 38 drives the smaller wheel 40, and hence through the gear 52 and pinion 53, the friction roller 48 is rotated in the same direction, counterclockwise, to feed the check through the rollers 48 and 49 and thus to discharge it into a suitable receiver later to be described. It may be noted here that to facilitate the directioning of the check as it leaves the rollers 48 and 49, a V-shaped guide 64 open at its apex sufficiently to permit passage of a check therethrough, is arranged on the discharge side of the rollers. The open apex end of the guide is directed away from the rollers, as shown.

It is preferred in the present example, to speed up the rate of rotation of roller 48 with respect to that of shaft 25, in order to assure a complete ejection of one check before another can be delivered to the rollers. Accordingly, for purposes of the presentexample in attaining a rapid or quick check feed, the speed ratio between the small friction wheel 40 and the large wheel 38 may -be approximately 3:1, while the speed ratio of gears 52 and 53 may be about 2:1. Thus, for each revolution of wheel 38, the friction roller 48 will complete approximately six revolutions.

Turning to the check receiving device which is selectively positionable with respect to the check feeding rollers 48 and, this device is preferably comprised of a platform or tray which is arranged at the left section of the frame It), (Figs. 1 and 2). The top l2 of the frame structure is shown as extending over substantially the right half of the frame, and the left edge 68 thereof is formed to provide a guide, which in cooperation with a similar guide 61 formed on the upper left edge of theframe Ill, serves to slidably support the tray 85. The guides as shown in Fig. 1, extend between the front and rear edges 69 and 10 respectively, of the frame Hi. As shown in the present example, the tray is provided with slide rails 68 which slidably engage the guides 66 and 61, but it is to be understood that in practice, ball or roller types of bearings (not shown) may be substituted for the tray rails 68 to reduce the friction at rest, and thereby to eflfect a smoother operating tray. In the arrangement shown, the tray is mounted for horizontal sliding movement along the vertical plane including the axes of the feed rollers 48 and 49. Thus, the rollers are arranged to feed checks laterally onto the tray,

and accordingly, for this purpose the tray is provided with a plurality of compartments or pockets for receiving the checks. The pockets are formed by horizontally spaced, vertical partition elements ll extending transversely of the tray and secured thereto in any suitable manner. The compartments are closed on the left side of the tray, by a wall element 12, while the right hand ends thereof are open, so that when any one of the pockets is brought into register with the open apex of guide 64 on the discharge side of the check feed rollers 48 and 48, a check displaced from the magazine by the rollers, will be delivered directly to such pocket.

The supporting frame i8, particularly the portion l2 thereof, is so related to the tray for receiving the checks, that the supporting surface of the latter is at a somewhat lower level than the check- I supporting surface of the magazine on the element l2. Furthermore, there is preferably provided at the right hand edge (Figs. 2 and 3) of the tray, a vertical shoulder, flange or ledge Ila. This arrangement is such that as the check is forcibly ejected into one of the compartments or divisions of the tray, it immediately falls edgewise into its position of repose, at a somewhat lower level than prior to feeding, any tendency to rebound to the right, or toward the feeding mechanism, being effectively prevented by engagement of an edge or corner of the check, with the flange or shoulder Ha.

As shown in Fig. 1, when the rearmost pocket A is registered with the check feeding guide 64, the forward end portion of the tray 85 will overlie and extend forwardly of the front edge 88 of frame l8. Moving the tray rearwardly, will successively register the pockets B, C, D, etc. with the guide or check feeding nozzle 84, and when the forwardmost pocket A" is in register with guide 84, the rear part of the tray will overlie and extend rearwardly of the rear edge 'I8 of frame l8. As a means for limiting movement of the tray to the extremes noted, an abutment 12a is provided on the under surface of the tray in suitable location with respect to the tray ends, and cooperating with the abutment are removable stops 12b and 12c carried respectively, by the front and rear edges 88 and 18 of the frame.

The selective positioning of the pockets with respect to nozzle 84, is accomplished in the following preferred manner: A rack bar 13 is secured preferably, to the under side of the tray 85, the rack extending the full length of the tray. Enmeshing the rack is a gear element 14 which is journalled in bearing standards 15 secured to the bottom plate I I. Operativeiy connected to this gear element is a bevelled gear 16 which enmeshes a bevelled gear TI on one end of an operating shaft I8. The shaft is suitably supported in bearing standards 18 carried by the plate II, and carries at its opposite end, a bevelled gear 88 which engages a bevelled gear 8| operatively associated with a control device 82. The gear 8| is secured to a stub shaft 83 which is journalled in the base l2 and extends upwardly therethrough for operative connection to the device 82.

The device 82 comprises preferably, a circular plate or disc which is provided with a central hub 84 removably secured to shaft 83, and a plurality of key elements or push buttons 85 arranged around the peripheral portion of the plate. Each key is comprised of a head 88 presented on the upper surface of the disc, a shouldered stem 81 extended through the disc and seated in a shouldered aperture 88 formed therein, there being a compression spring 88 between the head and the disc, all as clearly shown in Fig. 7. The

spring normally urges the stem into its seat in the disc, and upon depressing the key, the stem 81 is moved outwardly of its seat to provide an abutment for a purpose later appearing.

The top surface of each key bears a desired symbol, as in the present example, the numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., the designations being in consecutive order and in the present example, arranged in a clockwise direction. The disc and its key elements are coordinated through the operative connection between the disc and tray member 85, so that when key marked 100 is in register with a stationary index or marker 88 on base I 2, as shown in Fig. l, the tray will be positioned to register the rearmost pocket A with the check feeding nozzle 84. Rotating disc 82 in a clockwise direction to register key marked 99 with marker 88, effects a corresponding movement of tray 65 through the described geared connection, to register the next succeeding pocket B with the nozzle 64, and thus with key 98" and pocket C, etc. Accordingly, the number of keys on disc 82 will correspond to the number of pockets on tray 65.

As a means for aiding an operator in effecting through the control disc 82, the registry of a selected pocket with the check feeding nozzle 64, the key elements 85 are so arranged as to leave a space between the first and last keys. On the surface of the disc between these two keys and the disc axis, is marked preferably in a suitable color, a sector 88a. of the disc, the colored sector providing an index zone by which the operator may judge the direction in which to rotate the disc, in order to bring a desired key into registry with the marker 88. In the arrangement shown, the disc 82 cannot be rotated to pass the colored sector through registry with marker 88, since when the key marked 100 is registered with index 88, the sector will be to the left of the index (Fig. 1), and when the first key in the consecutive order, marked 1", is brought into registry with index 88 by a clockwise rotation of disc 82, the sector will be to the right of the index. These two positions indicate the limits of rotary movement of disc 82, as when key 100" is in registry with index 88, the tray abutment 12a engages the forward stop 12b, and similarly, when key 1 is registered with the index, the tray abutment engages the rear stop '20. Thus, movement of the disc beyond these limits to register sector 88a with index 88, is effectively prevented. Once this condition with respect to the colored sector, is established in the mind of an operator, it becomes a simple matter to operate the control disc 82 properly, in the selection of any desired pocket for registry with the feeder nozzle 64. For example, assume the position of the parts as shown in Fig. 1, wherein key 108" is registered with index 88 and the colored sector 88a is disposed adjacently to, but to the left of the index. Now, assume it is desired to register key 18" with the index 88. This can be done only by rotating disc 82 in a clockwise direction, for to rotate the disc counterclockwise to effect the desired registry, would require the passage of the sector 88a through registry with the index, and this is effectively prevented as above described. The reason for the described limitation of disc movement is readily apparent, for assuming the condition noted immediately above, wherein it is desired to register key with index 88, to permit rotation of the disc in a counterclockwise direction so as to carry the sector 8811. through registry with index 88, would eflect a movement of tray 85 so far forwardly of the front edge 88 of the frame, that the rearmost pocket A would be carried forwardly of, and clearly out of alignment with the feed nozzle 84. Hence, the described limitation of both tray and disc movement, serves tain characteristics of the mechanism. For example, assume that key 76 is disposed in registry with index 88, and that it is desired to register key 80 with the index. The operator may then rotate disc 82 in a counterclockwise direction to effect such registry. Again, with key 76 in register with index 88, it is desired to register key 70" with the index. This is accomplished by rotating disc 82 in a clockwise direction to bring key 70" opposite the index. From the examples given, it will appear as a general working rule, in order to attain the greatest possible speed and efficiency in operation, to actuate the key disc 82 in a clockwise direction for selection of a symbol or number of lower order, and in a counterclockwise direction to proceed to a symbol or number of higher order, and to avoid traversing the index 88 with the deadline area of sector 88a. It has been found to facilitate operator selection, to dispose the selector keys in a plurality of rows on the disc, for example, in two such rows of numeral keys, the even numbered keys in an outside row and odd numbered keys staggered with respect thereto,

I in an inside row. Accordingly, from the foregoing, the operational characteristics of the control mechanism will be now evident.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the side 8I of rack bar I8 on tray 85, is serrated or notched as shown, there being one notch for each pocket on the tray. Cooperating with the notches is a pawl or ratchet element 82 formed of spring material and supported by an arm 88 which is preferably secured to one of the bearing standards 15. Thus the pawl and notches provide a ratchet arrangement which serves to releasably maintain the tray in position to register a selected pocket with the feed nozzle 84.

Operation of the disc 82 to position a preselected pocket of tray in check receiving registry with the nozzle 84, may be utilized also, to effect upon such registry of the pocket, operation of the motor and reduction gear unit 24 to actuate the check separating and feeding mechanism. Accordingly, an electric switch device 84 (Fig. 7) of any suitable type, is secured to the base I2, the device including in the present example, a case 85 and a pivoted arm 88 which extends upwardly through the open upper end of the case, the arm extending closely adjacent the under surface of the disc 82, and in registry with the push buttons 85 and the marker 88. The arm 88 is normally substantially centered in the case, as by springs 81, and supports a contact element 88 of the switch. Complemental contact elements 88 and I88 are carried by the case 85 in any suitable manner, these contacts being disposed on opposite sides of the case and arranged so that contact 88 may engage either one. Fig. '7 illustrates also, in a diagrammatic manner, the circuit connections of the switch and motor. Thus, one terminal of the motor 24 is connected to line lead I8, while the opposite motor terminal is connected to switch contacts 88 and I88 through a branched lead I82. The movable switch contact 88 is connected to line lead- I88 through lead I84 and a manually operated switch I88. Hence, when arm 88 is pivotally actuated in either direction from its normally centered position wherein the switch is open, the contact element 88 will make contact with either the element 88 or element I88, whereby to close the motor circuit. Closure of the switch is effected whenever a'push button is depressed and the disc 82 rotated in the proper direction as heretofore described, to bring the depressed button into registry with marker 88, as the depressed stem 81 of the key or button strikes the upper end of arm 88, and thereby actuates it to close the motor circuit coincidentally with the registry of the but ton and marker 88. The motor will continue to operate as long as the particular button is held depressed and in registry with the marker 88.

In the operation of the system, the operator first notes the serial number on the front check of the stack, and say for example, the number noted is 10. The operator then manually depressed key marked 10" and assuming the position of the disc shown in Fig. 1, rotates disc 82 in a clockwise direction, until this key is registered with the marker 88. This operation positions that pocket of tray 85 which corresponds to the key marked 10, in check receiving registry with the feeder nozzle 84, and coincidentally therewith, closes the motor circuit through switch 84. The motor then operates the check separating and feeding mechanism in the manner heretofore described, whereby the front check is removed from the magazine and deposited in the selected pocket on tray 85. The operator then rapidly reading the serial number of the next succeeding check in the magazine, repositions the disc 82 in a similar manner, whereby the operation of the mechanism is repeated to place such check in the selected pocket. In the event that there are several adjacent checks in the stack bearing the same serial designation or identifying mark, the operator may continue to hold the proper key depressed and in registry with the marker 88, until those checks have been delivered to the selected pocket.

To facilitate removal of the checks from the pockets on tray 85, the left ends of the pocketforming partitions 1| are cut away at an angle, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, thereby leaving exposed the left end portions of the checks. Moreover, it is to be noted that the tray 85 and disc 82 may be removed without disturbing the remainder of the mechanism, this feature being provided so that a tray having a particularly desired number of pockets, and a disc 82 having the corresponding number of keys, may be substituted for those already in use. In this connection, it is to be noted that when the mechanism is utilized to sort cancelled checks or the like, it may be desirable and most advantageous to sort the checks initially, into groups, as for example, all series checks in one group, the 200 series checks in another, and so on. Thereafter, the units in one group may be sorted into consecutive order, and thence the same for the units of succeeding groups. Accordingly, the provision for a ready exchange of trays differing in the number of pockets carried thereby, fully adapts the mechanism to a wide range of sorting operations.

-While the check separating and feeding mechanism is preferably motor operated, as herein described, provision is made for operating the mechanism manually, as by a crank arrangement shown at H0 in Fig. 3. The crank includes a manually operated handle III suitably connected to a shaft H2 which extends inwardly of frame H), for operative connection to the shaft (not shown) supporting pinion 26, this shaft being included in and forming an element of the reduction gear portion of the motor-gear unit 24. A suitable clutch U3 may be provided as shown, for disconnecting the hand crank whenever it is desired to operate the machine by motor unit 24. In the present example, the handle III is shown as located on the right side of frame III, as a matter of convenience to the operator. However, the handle readily may be located at any other convenient point with respect to the frame.

As will readily appear from the construction of the switch shown by Fig. 7, this switch possesses an inherent function as an automatic mechanical limiting device. This is due to the fact that the movement permitted the arm 96, is the same in either direction from its normally centered position, thus effecting a definite position of stop of the disc when any selected key is depressed, so as always to bring the disc to the same predetermined stop relation with respect to the index 90, according to the key selected.

It will further appear that the check-feeding mechanism and tray construction as described, are fully operative, although with possibly less speed, even though the rotatable selector disc 82, and its appurtenances, be omitted. In such case a fixed longitudinal scale (not shown) may be used in cooperation with a pointer or index element carried by the tray itself, so that the tray may be directly manually actuated to its predetermined positions which are indicated by the reading of such pointer on the fixed scale.

The present invention facilitates to a marked degree, the sorting of flexible units, such as checks, sales slips and the like, and further, provides a machine for this purpose, which is compact and positive in operation, and requires little attention in the matter of adjustment or repair.

It is to be understood, of course, that the drawings and the accompanying description thereof, relate to the preferred embodiment of the invention, and that alterations and modifications in the parts and arrangement thereof, may be effected within the scope of the following claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device for separating and feeding and sorting individual sheets from a supply thereof, means for separating and edgewise displacing the sheets, one at a time, in a substantially fixed plane, a receiver formed to provide a plurality of spaced planes of deposit for the sheets, and a bodily shiftable assembly of selector keys, a positive mechanical connection between the key assembly and the receiver, arranged upon actuation of the assembly of keys, for moving the receiver and locating same in definite positions with the last said planes in selective, substantial coincidence with said plane of feeding.

2. A check handling machine for the purpose described, comprising a check magazine, a check feeder, a compartment structure providing plurality of check-receiving pockets, means for positioning said pockets selectively in a predetermined fixed check-receiving relation to said feeder, the pocket positioning mechanism including a plurality of pocket selector keys, a bodily movable frame by which the keys are carried, a geared connection between the frame and the compartment structure, and mechanism operable upon the forwardmost check in said magazine, in successive steps to deflect said check from the magazine, direct it to said feeder and thence displace the check into the selected pocket of the compartment structure.

3. A check handling machine of the type described, comprising a check magazine, a check feeder, a reciprocable receiver for the sorted checks, provided with a plurality of check-receiving pockets, means for positioning selectively, any of said pockets in check-receiving relation to a predetermined fixed station adjacent said feeder, the positioning means including a plurality of manually operable pocket-selector keys, a movable key carrier, a positive mechanical connection for translating movement of the carrier" to the receiver and mechanism operatively initiated by said pocket positioning means, for successively deflecting from the magazine the forwardmost check therein, and directing said check to said feeder.

4. A check handling machine of the type described, comprising a check magazine, a check feeder, a reciprocably mounted check-receiving tray formed to provide a plurality of check-receiving pockets selectively positionable in a preestablished check-receiving relation to said feeder, means operable to deflect from said magazine, the forwardmost check therein and to direct said check to said feeder, and key-operated mechanism controlling the operation of said means and the positioning of said pockets relative to the feeder, said mechanism including a displaceable key carrier, a plurality of keys thereon, and a mechanical drive between the carrier and the tray.

5. A check handling machine of the type described, comprising a check magazine, a check feeder, a movable check-receiving member bearing a plurality of check-receiving compartments, mechanism operatively associated with said -member, adapted for actuating the member to position selectively, any of said compartments in check-receiving registry with a fixed delivery portion of said feeder, said mechanism including a plurality of compartment selector keys, a movable table by which the keys are carried, and with which the keys serve as selective stop elements, a single substantially stationary stop common to a plurality of the keys, a geared connection between the table and the check-receiving member, means for delivering the forwardmost check in said magazine to said feeder, and an operating device for said delivery means, controlled by said compartment positioning mechanism.

6. A check handling machine of the type described, comprising in combination with holding and feeding means for a plurality of checks, a movable container member bearing a plurality of check-receiving pockets, means providing for horizontal rectilinear movement of the container member, an actuating device for said member, including a plurality of selector keys, a pivotally mounted disc on which the keys are depressibly mounted, and with which the individual keys coact to determine the desired extent of rotation, a mechanical drive connection between the disc and the movable container member adapted to effect selectively upon rotation of the disc, a disposition of any one of said pockets, as determined by the selection of keys, in check-receiving registry with a predetermined portion of said feeding means.

7. In a separating and sorting device for flexible sheets of a generally rectangular form, means for supporting a supply of the sheets on edge, and maintaining the supply with the forwardmost sheet in substantially a given plane, sheet lifting and ejecting mechanism operable on the sheet substantially in the last said plane, and providing a fixed zone of ejection by endwise movement, of the individual sheets, a tray formed to provide a plurality of open-end, sheet-receiving compartmenta-and means for selectively moving the tray so as to bring said compartments, one at a time, substantially into register with said zone of ejection, said means including a selector disc, selector keys carried thereby to determine different stop positions of the disc, and a geared connection between the disc and tray.

8. In a feeding and sorting device for checks and the like, means for separating and edgewise displacing the individual checks, means establishing a substantially fixed zone of feeding ejection', a movable tray provided with compartments for receiving the checks as fed, tray actuating mechanism including a manually shiftable bank of keys and a key carrier mechanically connected to the tray, said carrier being mounted for movement in opposite directions, the plurality of keys being arranged with the carrier to determine selectively the extent of its selected movement, an abutment cooperating with and common to said keys to establish the predetermined stop positions of the tray, and means associated with the abutment for initiating action of the separating and displacing means 9. In a feeding and sorting device for checks and the like, means for separating and edgewise ejecting the individual checks from a zone of supply, means establishing a substantially fixed zone of feeding ejection, a reciprocally movable tray provided with compartments for receiving the checks asfed, tray actuating mechanism including a manually rotatable frame and a plurality of depressible stop-keys thereon, the frame being mechanically connected to the tray and arranged for movement in opposite directions to effect a tray movement with respect to the feeding zone, and means cooperative with the individual keys, for establishing a predetermined limit of movement of said frame, irrespective of the direction of its'actuation.

10. In a feeding and sorting device for checks and the like, means for separating and edgewise ejecting the individual checks from a zone of supply, means establishing a substantially fixed zone of feeding ejection, a horizontally and reciprocally movable tray provided with compartments for receiving the checks as fed, tray actu ating mechanism including a manually rotatable selector disc, a positive mechanical connection between the disc and the tray, the disc being arranged for partial rotative movement in either direction about its axis, a plurality of selector keys carried by the disc, mechanism including an electric motor for actuating said separating and ejecting means, and a switch in circuit with said motor and arranged to cooperate with any of said keys, in either direction of disc movement to establish predetermined stop positions of said selector disc, and adapted concurrently to complete a circuit to cause the energization of said motor.

JOHN F. DUNSER. 

